BALTIMORE (May 11, 2007) – Non-profit organizations in the Baltimore region may now apply for grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make their high-risk facilities more secure against terrorist attacks. The grant program will be administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Applications must be submitted through the Baltimore Urban Area Work Group (UAWG). The UAWG will review applications, assign scores based on criteria developed by DHS, and then forward the applications to DHS for final determination. A total of $24 million is available nationwide, with no guarantee that any particular urban area will receive funds.

The two-tier review process differs from the Baltimore Region Critical Infrastructure Community Grant Program, which was administered entirely by the UAWG. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program also requires organizations to provide a 25 percent match, either in cash or activities such as special training in the operation of grant-funded improvements.

The UAWG is composed of emergency management officials from the Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s member jurisdictions, which include Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties, plus the City of Annapolis.

"This new grant program for nonprofits continues the important work that the UAWG has been doing with the community," said Harford County Executive David R. Craig, the BMC Chair. "Helping institutions protect themselves ultimately helps local emergency responders by deterring potential attacks."

Eligible enhancements include such things as closed circuit television systems for perimeters of community facilities; vehicle barriers, lighting and fencing for perimeter security; and personal identification systems to limit unauthorized access to facilities.

A grant-writing seminar will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the George Howard Building, Banneker Room (1st floor), 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

Grant applications must be received by the UAWG by Monday, June 11. After local review, the applications will be forwarded to DHS for final determination.

The grant application is available online or by calling the homeland security official in one of the participating jurisdictions: